1951 Special Shock replacement

[Guest Cdn_Buick_Nut]

I have the engine and Transmission out being rebuilt and I thought it would be a good time to replace the front shocks. Got the old ones off by following the manual but I am having one heck of a time attaching the new ones to the pivot pins. I can't seem to get the wheel high enough to attach the shock. Am I missing something? Can this only be done with the engine in for weight?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Fr. Buick]

A spring compressor (the kind that works internally - inside the spring ) can be rented, but be VERY careful. Compressed, these springs are a bomb ready to go off. Or you can buy a good compressor for around $100 or so - or at least tht was the price I paid 10 year ago...

Happy wrenching,

[Bill Stoneberg]

Another idea I used to simulate the engine weight is to go to Home Depot and get about 5 bags of sand. Put them on the front corner and that gave me enough weight. You may need more though.

[Guest Cdn_Buick_Nut]

Thanks for the ideas. I am going to try to get a spring compressor. An I do appreciate the warning.

Thanks again

Steve

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

You could ask your wife to sit on the front fender. Of course she will probably look at it that what you were saying is that she is as heavy as a V-8 engine. On second thought I think I'd take my chances with the spring compressor.